Distance Learning Class Critical Information

BAS/CPT-103-N1/N2 Microcomputer Applications

Spring 2013

Dear Online Student: BAS/CPT 103-N1/N2

Welcome! You are enrolled in BAS/CPT 103-N1/N2: Microcomputer Applications at St. Charles Community College for the Spring semester. This course will introduce you to computer use through the Microsoft Office applications using Office 2010 using PCs (you will not be able to complete the coursework using a Mac). After this class, you should be able to create flyers and letters, develop financial spreadsheets, create effective presentations, design a database, and query information contained in it to place in reports.

This section is offered online; this gives you time and place flexibility. It does require self-discipline on your part to do the required work without having scheduled classes. The objectives and assignments for this section are the same as its on campus counterparts. Be sure your schedule allows you the time to complete all work on time, since no late work is accepted. Homework and lab assignments open on Saturday morning each week – homework is then due on 11:55 p.m. Wednesdays  and labs are due the following 11:55 p.m. Saturday.   This gives you a full five days to complete homework and eight days to complete labs. Again, due to the amount of time given for assignments, late submissions are not accepted. Given this amount of time, exceptions will not be made for waiting too close to the deadline to submit assignments. Keyboarding skills are needed to be successful in this class. If you cannot touch type, you may want to consider taking a class in keyboarding before this one.

We will use the Internet for our interaction so you will need a computer able to access the Internet. We will be using Moodle for this course. You will also need access to Microsoft Office 2010 Professional (again – PC-based only).  The computer labs (TECH 116 in the Technology Building and ACE Center in the Social Science Building) have the necessary software and hardware to complete this course. The software is available for sale at the SCC bookstore at a dramatic discount over retail, but purchasing it is not required as long as you have access to Office 2010 to complete your work.

You MUST be able to take your tests on campus at the scheduled times. (Choose one to attend)

You will have access to the course a few days before it begins. It is your responsibility to review the Web site and course requirements immediately to be sure the schedule can work with yours. If not, it may be best for you to drop the class while you can still get a refund (see dates for full/partial refunds on the college Web site). The course officially begins on Tuesday, January 22, 2013; starting work any time after that date may cause you to get significantly behind very quickly.

You will need the textbook and access to the Office 2010 software by the start of classes to stay on schedule. You may get the text for the class from the bookstore either in person, by telephone, or online via at www.stchas.edu/bookstore. Bookstore hours are listed on the website. I look forward to working with you.

Please click on the link below and take the quiz to learn how well you are suited for online education.

http://stchas.smartermeasure.com

Sincerely,

Andrea Compton
Associate Professor, BAS Program
acompton@stchas.edu